CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR TABLE CASSAVA CHARACTERISTICS IN PERNAMBUCO, BRAZIL.

Resumo

Cassava is a major source of carbohydrate for populations in the tropics;
however, there is little information about the preferences of consumers toward the
quality characteristics of this crop. This paper analyzes the demand for different
cassava attributes, and applies the hedonic price method to estimate the values that
consumers give to implicit attributes of cassava. The results show that ease of peeling,
time of cooking and texture of cassava are the most important characteristics consumers
consider when purchasing and consuming cassava. Cassava varieties, root size, ease of
peeling and location of the market are relevant attributes in price determination.